Method of and apparatus for lining tunnels with concrete



Aug. 15, 1961 M. F. KEMPER 2,995,901

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR LINING TUNNELS WITH CONCRETE Filed March 2'7, 1953 10 Sheets-Sheet 1 Wig. e.

1N VEN TOR.

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METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR LINING TUNNELS WITH CONCRETE Filed March 27, 1953 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 fZ/.nne Supporfs 2 INVEN TOR.

A MAXWELL E/HEMPEE,

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METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR LINING TUNNELS WITH CONCRETE Filed March 27, 1953 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

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METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR LINING TUNNELS WITH CONCRETE 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 2.7, 1955 i m @Ja www ug- 15, 1961 M. F. KEMPER 2,995,901

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR LINING TUNNELS WITH CONCRETE Filed March 27, 1955 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN V EN TOR.

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METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR LINING TUNNELS WITH CONCRETE l0 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed March 27, 1953 25)( MAXWEM HEM/p52,

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M. F. KEMPER Aug. 15, 1961 METHOD OF' AND APPARATUS FOR LINING TUNNELS WITH CONCRETE 10 Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed March 27, 1953 .v INVENTOR. MAXWELL 17./ .H-MP5,?,

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METHOD OF' AND APPARATUS FOR LINING TUNNELS WITH CONCRETE Filed March 27, 1953 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 EMPEE, IN VEN TOR.

BY ff@ dez/CW TTOP/VEK QNN 1 lil@ r MAXWELL 5 @A N SN .www

M. F. KEM PER Aug. 15, 1961 METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR LINING TUNNELS WITH CONCRETE Filed March 27, 1953 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 I N V EN TOR.

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M. F. KEM PER Aug. 15, 1961 METHOD OF' AND APPARATUS FOR LINING TUNNELS WITH CONCRETE Filed March 27, 1953 l0 Sheets-Sheet 10 TTOQA/EX 2,995,901' Patentedk Aug. l5, .1,9641

2,995,901 Y METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR LINING TUNNELS WITH CONCRETE Maxwell F. Kemper, 3701 Overland Ave.,

Los Angeles, Calif. Filed Mar. 27, 1953, Ser. No. 344,960 35 Claims. (Cl. 61-63) The present invention relates to an improved method of and apparatus for lining tunnels with concrete.

In tunnel lining methods to which the present invention relates, it is the practice to run into the tunnel, a string of concrete laden containers or cars, known as placers, and to discharge the concrete therefrom into the lining forms through a conduit positioned for connection with successive placers.

My `application for U.S. Letters Patent, Serial No. 749,402, led May 21, 1947, now Patent No. 2,660,034, for Method and Apparatus for Placing Fluent Material, discloses a concrete lining method similar -to the method abo've described, wherein provision is made for moving the emptied placers onto a sled mounted in advance of a string or train of placers. The discharge conduit is disposed beneath the top of the sled with its intake end positioned to be connected with the placers. As each placer is unloaded, it is uncoupled from the conduit and advanced o'nto the sled over the conduit, thereby doing away with switching and by-passing of the placers and making it possible to practice the method in tunnels Where switching is undesirable or precluded by the size of the tunnel bores.

In extending the discharge conduit from the sled to barrier, preventing movement of placers or other cars from the sled into and -frorn the zone between the sled and the form.

In the method as carried out in said pending application, and in all other methods o'f which I am aware, no provision has been made for gaining such access to that zone between the placers and the form that placers and other cars may be moved into and out of this zone, and work done therein, while unloading the concrete. ln other words, no provision has been made heretofore for mounting the discharge conduit in a position such that while disposed to discharge concrete into' the form, a portion thereof may be moved to clear a path leading into the zone between the intake end of the conduit and the form, for ingress and egress of cars and equipment and for eicient and timely working of said zone to prepare for erection of forms therein.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide for the lining of tunnels with concrete in a novel eilicient manner affording ready access to' the zone of the tunnel between the form and the intake end of the conduit, whereby the concrete laden placers or empty placers, muck cars and the like may be moved into land out of said zone.

It is a further object of this invention to provide for the lining of tunnels with co'ncrete in a manner making it possible to run a train of cars for carrying concrete, working equipment, and excavated matter past the intake end of the conduit in either direction and in some tunnel formations, through the form itself.

' It is a further object of this invention to provide a method and an apparatus for the purpose described wherein the conduit readily may be moved from the position in which it is connected to the cars or placers, into a position clearing the tunnel zone between the placers and the form, whereby the placers and cars may be moved into and out of or through said zone without United States Patent Office 2 disturbing the operative connection of the conduit witl the fo'rrn or requiring longitudinal displacement of the conduit.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel means for supporting a conduit in a tunnel in a manner such that the intake end of the conduit may be moved between a position for connection with a source of supply of concrete or other iluent material in the tunnel, and a position making it possible to move cars or the like past said intake end into and from that zone between the ends of the conduit.

It is another object of this invention to provide in tunnel lining apparatus, a means operable for moving the intake end of the conduit between a position of use and an elevated position permitting cars to' move beneath the intake end up to the forms.

It is another object to provide a conduit supporting apparatus such as described which is constructed to permit cars to pass thereover td and from sections of tunnel track extending from opposite ends of such apparatus.

It is another object hereof to provide conduit supporting apparatus in the form of a trame, supporting the conduit in a positio'n permitting the cars to be run beneath the conduit.

It is another object to provide conduit supporting apparatus such as described, which is mobile and adapted to run into position of use in the tunnel as a part of the train of cars carrying the material and equipment for lining the unnel with concrete.

It is another object of this invention to provide for an eicient lining of tunnels wherein bad ground or what is known as swelling ground makes it desirable to pour the lining throughout the properly excavated portion of the tunnel before the bad ground reaches a condition making it unsafe to pour the concrete.

It is a further object of this invention to provide for an eiicient lining of a tunnel from the portal toward the heading of the tunnel in a manner making it possible to pour the concrete into the form while the tunnel is being excavated beyond the form.

This inventio'n possesses many other advantages and has other objects which may be made more easily apparent from a consideration of several embodiments of the invention. :For this purpose there are shown two forms in the drawing accompanying and forming part o'f the present specication. These forms will now be described in detail, illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that this detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of the invention is `best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. l is a longitudinal schematic view of a tunnel, illustrating the manner of lining a tunnel and how muck cars may be placed in the working zone o'f the tunnel, in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, showing the man` ner of disposing of the empty containers and the manner of use of the muck cars;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1, illustrating the manner of removing the empty containers and muck cars from the working zone in the tunnel;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view, partly schematic, showing the manner of lininga horse shoe type tunnel in accordance with this invention when starting the lining at the portal and continuing the lining toward the heading of the tunnel;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing the manner of disposing of the empty concentrate containers in carrying out the lining operation illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5a is a fragmentary, schematic, top plan view of 3 a by-pass switch, known as a California switch may be employed in the lining operation illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view, taken on the line 6-6 Yof FIG. 1;

AFIG. 8, on an enlarged scale, showing the apparatus adjusted to permit movement of the containers past the intake end of the conduit; taken on line `m-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. l1 is a sectional view, taken on the line 11-11 t of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged top plan view partially in section of the vertically movable unit for coupling the conduit to the concrete laden containers;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view, taken on the line `13--1ll n, of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view, taken on the line 14-14 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of one of the mobile concrete carrying containers, shown in connection with the conduit for conducting the concrete to the form;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view, taken on the line 16--16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a vertical sectional View, taken on the line '17--17 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken on the line 18-18 of FIG. 15; Y

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view, taken on Vthe line 19--19 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 20-20 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 21 is a side elevation of a modied form of apparatus embodying the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a side elevation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 21,v showing the conduit in a position to permit movement of the containers past the intake end thereof;

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 23-23 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the apparatus shown in lFIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is a cross sectional view taken on the line '2S-25 of FIG. 21; v

FIG 26 is a fragmentary cross sectional -view taken on the line 26-26 of FIG. 22; and

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 27-27 of FIG. 26.

In carrying out this invention, a conduit l1 as shown in FIGS. l, 2 and 3, is arranged in a tunnel 2 for delivering concrete or other fluent material from mobile containers or cars 3, hereinafter referred to as placers, -into a form 4 for the tunnel lining. The placers 3, as well as muck or work cars 5, are operable as a train by means of a locomotive L, on a track 6, which latter,

as shown in FIG. l, extends to a point adjacent the form 4. The placers 3 are similar to the concrete-carrying cars shown in the aforementioned application and reference thereto is made for a further understanding of the construction and operation thereof.

It has been found that more efticient tunnel-lining operations may be carried out by providing access to the tunnel zone A between the intake .end of the conduit 1 and the form l4, whereby the placers 3 and the work cars 5V may be moved into and out of this zone.

One way of providing access to the tunnel zone A in accordance with this invention, is to mount the conduit 1 in an elevated position, with only the intake end of the conduit and a portion contiguous the intake end adapted to be moved between a position for connection with the placers 3 and a position clearing the way for movement of the placers past the intake end of the conduit and into andout of the zone A.

This arrangement of the conduit 1 makes it possible to run the work muck cars 5 or other rolling equipment into the zone A ahead of a string of placers 3 to facilitate the removal of excavated'matter, or any other work in the zone A as required to prepare this zone for the erection of forms for continuing the lining operation. It also provides for the disposal of the emptied placers 3 in the zone A duringrthe placement of the concrete.

- Another advantage arising from supporting-and moving the conduit 1 in accordance with `this invention is that it makes possible a more eflicient lining of-a horseshoeshaped tunnel, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7, as well as tunnels where bad ground, or what is known as'swelling ground makes it desirable to line the tunnel as quickly as possible after erection of the forms. In this case, the lining operation is commenced at the portal and continued inwardly toward .the heading of the tunnel. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the apparatus of this invention makes it possible tolrun the train of placers 3 and the work cars 5, or other rolling equipment, through the form 4, with the work cars adjacent the heading `while the placers 3 are disposed adjacent the form 4. Thezone A in this instance is between the intake end of the conduit and the form, or better, between the portal of the tunnel and the intake end of the conduit.

As a means for supporting and adjusting the conduit 1 in accordance with this invention, a frame structure formed as a mobile unit is provided with means for moving the intake end and adjacent portion of the conduit 1, into and out of position for .connection with the placers 3. When moved out of position for connection wit-h the placers, the conduit is disposed out of the path of the placers 3 and cars 5, whereby the placers and cars may be moved past the intake end of the conduit into and out of the zone A. Y

As here provided, Ythe frame'structure includes a base frame 8 made up of cross members 9 and longitudinal members -10, with the members 10 adapted to slide on the track 6, whereby the frame structure may be moved along the track. Guide members 9a on the cross members are adapted to slidably contact the inner sides of the rail of the track 6 to hold the frame structure on the track.

Mounted on the upper sides of the cross members 9 are rails 11 at the ends of which are ramps 12 having transfer rails'13 inclined upwardly from the rails of the track 6 to the ends of the rails 11, whereby the placers 3 and cars 5 or other rolling equipment may be moved from the track 6 onto the rails 11 and vice-versa.

Each of the ramps 12 consists of the rails 13 and cross members 14 secured to the undersides of the rails 13. The transfer rails 13 are secured in any suitable manner at their inner ends to end cross members 9 of the base frame 8, `in alignment with the rails 11 and with their outer ends resting atop the rails of the track 6. As here shown, the transfer rails 13 (see FIG. l0) are provided at their inner ends, with downwardly directed lugsfls adapted to seat in sockets 16 in the end cross members 9 to hold the ramps in place.

Mounted at the ends of the base 8 are arch members 18 and 19 for supporting the conduit 1 in an elevated position, permitting the placers 3 and cars S to be moved ony the rails.11 through the arch members.

Horizontalbrace bars 20 are joined `to and extend between the arch members 18 and 19. The arch members 18 are also braced by bars 21 extending diagonally between the members 18 and horizontal side bars 22. These side bars 22 extend horizontally between the arch members 18 and 19, being connected to the arch members at their ends and supported above the longitudinal base members on posts 23.

As here shown, the conduit 1 is formed of a plurality of sections, there being an end section 1a providing the Intake end of the conduit, a section 1b connected with the section 1a and a exible section 1c joining section 1b with a stationary section 1d supported by the arch member 19. The section 1d is connected with the remainder 1e of the conduit leading to the form 4.

A coupling unit 24 is provided at the intake end of the conduit 1 for detachably connecting the conduit with the placers 3. This coupling unit and the adjacent conduit sections 1a and 1b are adapted to be raised and lowered by the means including a pair of pneumatic rams 27 having their cylinders 28 pivotally connected as at 29 to the base 8. The piston rods 30 of these rams are pivoted as at 31 to a pair of supporting arms :32. The arms 32 are pivoted at their inner ends as at .'33 to the upright portions of the arch member 18. The -outer ends of the arms 32 are connected with a cross member 35 of the frame 36 of unit 24, by means of pin- ;like projections 37 at the ends of the member 35 extendfing through slots 38 in plates 39 welded on the arms 32, thereby pivotally and slidably connecting these arms :with the unit 24. With this arrangement the arms 32 may be raised and lowered by actuation of the rams 27.

VWhen lowered, the coupling unit 24 is positioned for .connection with the placers 3. When raised, the unit l24 together with the adjacent conduit sections is disposed in an elevated position such that the placers 4 and cars ,5 may be moved onto and on the rails 13 into and out ot the zone A.

The support of the conduit 1 in elevated position may `be assured by locking it to the arch 18, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. For this purpose, an apertured ear H40 is provided on the conduit section 1b so that the aperpture therein will register with apertures in similar ears -41 on the top of the arch member 18 when the conduit is elevated. A latch pin 42 mounted in a sleeve 43 fixed Aon one side of one of the ears y41 may be moved into :and out of position passing through the apertures in the :ears 40 and 41 by means of a suitable Bowden wire actuator 44.

The conduit section 1d is supported on a vertically adjustable saddle member 45 mounted on the upper end of a screw 46 supported in a socket 47 xed to the upper end of the arch 19. A nut `48 on the screw 46 rests upon the upper end of the socket 47 so that when turned by the aid of hand grips 49, the screw may be raised and lowered to vertically adjust the conduit section 1d best to suit the particular tunnel and operation therein.

The conduit section 1d is held in place on the saddle member 45 by means of a pair of arms 50 pivoted as at 51 to the arch member 18 and extending convergently toward the section 1d to which latter they are also pivoted as at 52.

The flexible section 1c of the conduit acts as a hinge, permitting relative movement of the conduit sections 1a and l1b relative to the stationary section 1d. This flexible section is maintained in alignment with the sections 1b and 1d and restrained from lateral bending by means of a. pair of rigid arms 53 which extend along opposite sides thereof. One end of each of the arms 53 is welded as at 54 to the conduit section 1b, whereas the other end of each arm is connected with the conduit section 1d by means of the pivot 52 for the arms 50.

As the placers 3 are spring suspended for the purpose which is hereinafter described, and may not be uniformly loaded, the coupling members 56 thereon may be disposed in dierent vertical positions and therefore out of alignment with the coupling unit 24. Moreover, irregularities as to the level or slant of the rails 6, may cause misalignment of the coupling units 24 and 56.

Accordingly, the coupling unit 24 is adapted to be vertically yieldably supported on the track when positioned to connect the conduit 1, with one of the placers. For this purpose a pair of spring supported shoes 57 connected with the unit 24 are adapted to yieldably contact the rails 6 when the unit 24 is lowered for connection with one of the placers 3. These shoes are joined by a resilient cross member 57 but are relatively yieldably supported on the unit 24 by means of leaf spring 58. As shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, these springs are pivoted yat their upper ends as at 58a to housing 58b welded or otherwise iixed to the rigid cross member 35 of the frame 36 of the coupling unit 24. The shoes 57 are pivoted yas at 57 on the lower ends of the springs on opposite sides of the unit 24 adjacent the front thereof. The llexibility of these springs may be regulated by means of adjusting screws 58o adjustably mounted on the housings 58b `as shown in FIG. 14, so as to bear against the upper sides of Ithe springs forwardly of the pivots 58a. The ilexibility of the springs is increased by unscrewing or retracting these screws whereas the springs are stiiened by advancing the screws downwardly against the springs. With this arrangement the springs are relaadjustable as to ilexibility to make possible the yieldable support of the coupling unit in a manner assuring that the coupling unit will be properly aligned with the coupling units 56 or the placers.

The shoes 57 are provided with depending guide lugs 59 which contact the inner sides of the rails 6 to hold the shoes upon the rails.

As shown in FIG. 18, the intake end of the conduit section y1a is welded to fthe -frame 36 and to Ia sleeve 61 fixed on the frame 36. The sleeve 61 is adapted to telescope the discharge end 62 of the discharge pipe 63 of the coupling unit 56 of the placers 3. The outer end of the sleeve 61 is beveled `as at 64 for close contact with `a beveled ring 65 fixed on the pipe 63.

Means is provided on `the frame 36, as shown iu FIGS. 12 and 18, to form air chambers 66 and 67 on opposite sides of ythe coupling sleeve 61. Compressed air is supplied to these chambers from -exible air lines 68 and 69 which are coupled to a manifold 70 xed as shown in FIG. 8 on the conduit-supporting structure 7. An air supply hose 71, leading from a source of supply of cornpressed air, not shown, is connected with one end of the manifold 70. Lines 72, one of which is shown in FIG. 8, lead from the cylinders 28 of rams 27 and are connected through a valve 73 with the other end of the manifold 70, whereby these rams may be simultaneously operated under control of the valve 73, to raise and lower the coupling unit 24 and the conduit sections connected therewith.

Provision is made for introducing air at diierent pressures into the placers 3, in order that the concrete may be discharged at different ow velocities into the forms 4, according to the nature of the tunnel bore to be lined. If the bore is deeply pitted, or has cavities in the walls thereof, the introduction of the concrete under higher pressure and consequent greater velocity, will cause these cavities to Ibe reached and filled, thereby effectively lining such areas.

Accordingly, the air line 68 from the air chamber 66 is connected to the air supply manifold 70 through Va regulator valve 75, whereby the air pressure supplied to the chamber 66, thence to the placers 3, may be reduced as desired "below that supplied through the air line 69 to the la-ir chamber 67. Thus, the line 69 is adapted to introduce air at full pressure into the chamber 67. Air gauges 76 and 77 are provided in the `lines 68 and 69 to determine the pressure of the air flowing to the charnbers 66 and 67 respectively. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the flow of air into the chambers 66 land 67 from the lines 68 and 69 is controlled by valves 78 and 79 operable by means of levers 80 and 80 readily accessible on the unit 24.

The introduction of compressed air from the yair chambers 66 and 67 in the coupling unit 24 into the coupling Y concrete.

'unit 56 of a placer 3 is effected through Ia pair of hollow,

perforated and conical projections 81 and `82., fixed as by welding to the chambers 66 and 67, with their larger and open ends registering with openings 83 and '84 in La wall of said chambers.

These conical projections are adapted, as shown in FIG. 18, to extend into openings 85 in a wall 86 of an air chamber 87 formed in the coupling unit 56 of each placer 3.

Should the coupling units '24 and 56 occupy positions somewhat out of `alignment for the reasons hereinbefore noted, when moving them toward one another, the conical projections 81 and 82 will enter the openings 85 in the unit 56 and as the coupling unit 24 is yieldably supported it will readily align with the unit 56, whereby the conduit 1 may 'be coupled with the placer 3 in position for discharging concrete through the conduit. When the projections 81 and 82 are fully extended into the openings 85, sealing rings S9 on .the projections will contact the wall 86, to prevent leakage of air at these connections.

As a means for holding the coupling unit 24 in coupled relations to the coupling unit 56 on the placers, hooks 90 are mounted on opposite sides of the unit 24 for lmovement into yand out of hooked engagement with pins 91 secured in spaced ears 92 on the coupling unit 56 (FIG. 18). These hooks are pivoted, asat 93, on levers 94, which in turn are Apivotally connected by means of a link 95, with lugs 96 on the frame of the coupling unit 24. The outer ends of the levers 94 are joined to a transverse handle bar 97 for raising the levers to v-move the hooks outwardly for engagement with the pins 91. Upon lowering the levers 94, the hooks `are drawn inwardly, firmly to couple the units 24 and 56 and connect the base frame 8 with the placer 3. The hooks 90 .are disengaged from the pins 91 by simultaneously raising the levers 94 to move the hooks forwardly. A bail 98 connected at its ends to the hooks is lifted to raise the hooks clear of the pins 91, after the hooks are moved forwardly by the levers 94.

In general, the placers 3 are substantially the same :as the concrete carrying cars shown in my copending Vapplication hereinbefore identiiied, in that each placer has a concrete carrying hopper 100 mounted on a wheeled frame 101 so as to discharge the concrete into the pipe 63, thence through the conduit 1 for delivery to the forms. The compressed air is introduced into the discharge pipe 63 by means of a conduit 103 (see FIGS. 16 and 18) leading from the outlet port 104 of the air chamber 87 in the coupling unit 56, to a valve means 105 which controls the ow of air into the pipe 63, as will be seen with reference to FIG. 15. The valve means `105 is operated by the aid of a lever 106 fulcrumed, as at 107, on the hopper 100 and connected by means of a link 108 with a rocking arm 109 coupled to the spring loaded stem 110 of the valve means (see FIG. `16).

A valve 111 is provided in the pipe 63 to control the ow of concrete therethrough, being operable by means of a lever 112 and the linkage 113 connected with the ap valve, as shown in FIGS. l and 16.

It is desired to dampen vibration of the carriers 3 during movement thereof while laden with concrete, to prevent settling out of the heavier ingredients of the To this end the frame 101 of Veach carrier 3 is spring supported as shown in FIGS. 16 through 20. Accordingly, there is provided a truck unit including anged wheels 114, journalled in a pair of channelled side members 115. The members 115 are embraced by a frame 116 and resiliently supported by coiled spring 117 carried by the side members 1-15. The hopper 100 is carried on the frame section 116 and therefore cushioned bythe springs 117.

Vlln accordance with this invention, in forming a monolithic lining in a tunnel 2 as shown in FIGS. l, 2 and 3,

Vthe mobile conduit supporting unit is positioned as shovm in FIG. l, for example, by pushing it on the track 6 into the tunnel at the head of a train consisting of concrete laden placers 3, work cars 5 and ythe locomotive L. FIG. 3 shows the manner in which the train nmay be arranged for moving the mobile conduit-supporting unit into the tunnel as well ras for moving it out of the tunnel.

lA winch unit W including a cable C is mounted on the box frame 8 and may be used for moving the conduit supporting structure when the locomotive is not available.

When the mobile conduit-supporting unit has been moved to the desired position spaced yfrom the form 4, as shown in FIG. vl, with the conduit 1 in an elevated position, the train is operated to move the work cars 5 on the rails 11 into the zone A. Next the train is backed up to dispose the head placer 3 in position to be coupled to the conduit 1 as shown in FIG. 1.

Assuming that the entire conduit 1 is supported in elevated position, the movable conduit sections thereof may be lowered to connect the coupling unit 24 with the coupling unit 56 on the placer 3. After connecting these coupling units in the manner hereinbefore described, compressed air is introduced into the placer by appropriate actuation of the valve 7 8 (or the valve 79, if higher pressure is desired), also the valve means 1 05 and 1 11 on the placer. Concrete will now be forced under pressure through lthe conduit 1 into the form.

When the -iirst placer 3y has been emptied, the conduit 1 is uncoupled therefrom in the manner hereinbefore noted. Next the valve 73 is opened to supply compressed air to the rams 27, whereby the coupling u nit 2-4 and sections 1a and 1b of the conduit 1 will be raised to the position, for example, shown in FIGS. l and 10. The first placer is now moved over the adjacent ramp 12 onto the rails 11, thence over the `,other Vramp 12 onto the track-6 in the zone A adjacent the form 4. rThe placer 3 next in line is moved forwardly and the conduit then lowered by manipulation of the valve 73, for connecting the coupling unit 24 with this next placer, whereby the contents of this placer may be unloaded in the manner hereinbefore noted. As each placer is unloaded, the conduit 1 is raised and the placers are vmoved into the zone A. In this connection, it should be noted that the rails 11 may accommodate one or more of the placers, thereby increasing the capacity of the zone into which emptied placers or other cars may be moved.

t wiil now be seen that in placing the work cars in the `zone A, it is possible to carry out work necessary to prepare this Zone for erection of forms while the concrete is being delivered to the previously erected prepared forms. When the last placer Ihas been emptied, the conduit 1 is uncoupled therefrom and elevated, whereby the locomotive L may be operated to move this placer over the rails 11 to couple the other placers and work cars in a trail which is movable through the conduit supporting structure and out of the tunnel for reloading the placers.

In the operation of lining a tunnel of the form shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7, the lining is started at the portal and continued inwardly. This operation is particularly desirable where swelling ground conditions in the tunnel bore makes it desirable to line the bore as soon as possible after the forms are erected.

In these operations, the train is arranged as shown in FIG. 4, with the placers 3 at one end, and the locomotive L between the placers and the work cars 5. This trail is now moved through the portal and the form 4. The conduit-supporting structure may also be moved by the train through the form into the desired tunnell heading, for example, as shown yin FIG. 4. After the conduitsupporting structure is in place, it is operated to lower the conduit 1 for connection with the placers. The placers are now successively unloaded, and the conduit 1 repeatedly raised and lowered whereby the empty placers may be moved through the structure 7 in the same manner as in the lining operation hereinbefore described, into the zone A between the form 4 and the conduit-supporting structure or out through the portal.

tunnel. .sembled as well as adjusted best to suit the particular :tunnel and the conditions at hand.

A switch, such as the California switch S shown in FIG. a, may be provided in the zone B between the conduit-supporting structure and the tunnel heading, whereby the locomotive L may be operated to switch the loaded and unloaded work cars and the placers in a manner permitting of excavation of the bore While the lining operation is being carried out, as well as movement of the emptied placers as necessary to successively unload them.

FIGS. 21-27 illustrate a modified form of the apparatus of this invention, for moving a conduit 120 correspond- -ing to the conduit 1, between a position (FIG. 21) providing for connection of the conduit with the placers 3 and an elevated position (FIG. 22) permitting the placers, work cars and other movable apparatus to be moved beneath the conduit and through the form in the same manner as with the apparatus shown in FIG. l-lO.

This modied form of the invention diiers from that shown in FIGS. 1-10, in that it is capable of being co1- lapsed to facilitate shipment thereof and placement in a It is constructed so that it may be readily as- Accordingly, this modified form includes a collapsible frame structure 121 mounted on a base frame 122. The ibase frame includes pairs of longitudinal members 123 and 124 formed by cross members 125. The longitudinal members 123 are adapted to be slidably supported on the rails 126 and have guide members 127 thereon to hold them in alignment with the rails, whereby the frame structure 121 may be moved along the rails to and from the desired positions in a tunnel. The members 123 also serve as rails for the wheels of the carriers and work cars.

Ramps 128 and 129 are detachably connected to opposite ends of the base frame 122 in alignment with the rail members 123, whereby the carriers and work cars may be moved from the rails 126 onto and from the rail member 123 in the same manner as in the form of this invention shown in FIG. 1-10.

The base frame 122 is provided with side bars 130 supported above and parallel with the frame members 124, by means of upright posts 131, there being ample space between the side bars 130 to accommodate the carrier, as shown in FIG. 25.

The frame 121 includes a pair of arch members 132 and 13 3 and pairs of supporting members 134 and 135, all such members being supported by the side bars 130 to form a vertically adjustable and collapsible conduit-supporting structure through which the carriers may be moved beneath the conduit.

The arch member 132 is secured at its lower ends by means of pins 136 to plates 137 xed to the side bars 130 at one end of the frame base 122. 'Ihese plates have a series of openings 138 spaced both vertically and in a direction longitudinally of the base frame 122 whereby the arch member may be secured to the plates through any selected opening to vary the height of the arch member as well as the spacing thereof from the adjacent end of the base frame 122.

The ends of the arch member 133 are also secured by pins 139 to plates 137. The several openings 138 permit of adjustment of the position of the arch 133 as to height and spacing from the arch 132. In this connection it should be noted that the arch 132 extends upwardly and somewhat forwardly from the plates 137 on the base frame 122, whereas the arch 133 is upwardly and rearwardly inclined from these plates.

The pairs of members 134 are formed of threadedly connected longitudinally adjustable sections and are pivoted as at 140 and 141 to the side members or legs of the arch members 132 and 133 respectively to adjustably support the arch members 132 and 133 in their respective upright and inclined positions. The members 135 serve as vertically adjustable posts, being pivoted as at 142 10 and 143, respectively, to the side members or legs of the arch member 133 and to the upper side bars 130 of the base frame 122. Adjustment of the members 134 and 135 provides for varying the positions of the arch members to suit the particular tunnel.

Collapse of the arch members 132 and 133 and the supporting members 134 and 135, readily may be effected, for example, by disconnecting the member 134 from the arch 132 and disconnecting the lower en d members 135 from the side bars 130. This will permit of swinging the arch members and supporting members therefor on their pivotal connections, to lie in small compass upon the base structure.

The concrete delivery conduit 120 is of substantially the same construction as the delivery conduit 1 shown in FIGS. l-lO, in that it is sectional and includes a ilexible section 144 between rigid sections 145 and 146. The

Y rigid section 145 is detachably supported -upon the top of the arch member 133 by means of a split clamp, a part 147 of which is fixed to the underside of the section 145. The other part 148 of this clamp lits around the arch 133 and is bolted to the part 147, forming therewith a fastening permitting pivotal movement of the conduit about the top of the arch member 133, whereby the arch member 133 may be adjusted as to height while supporting the conduit.

From the section 145 of the conduit, one or more conduit sections 150 extend to the form (not shown), for example, in the same manner as indicated in FIGS. 1-5.

The conduit section 146 extends forwardly from the exible section 144 through the arch member 132 in the same manner as shown in FIGS. 1-10. At its forward end, the section 146 carries a coupling unit 151 corresponding to the coupling unit 24, for connecting the conduit 120 with the placers 3 in the same manner as set forth in connection with the rst described form of this invention.

Means are provided for moving the conduit section 146 between positions shown in FIGS. 2l' and 22, whereby the conduit, when lowered, may be connected with the placers 3 and when elevated, will permit the placers to pass beneath the conduit in the same manner as in the first described form of this invention. As here shown, this means includes a pair of pneumatic rams 152 rigidly xed to the conduit section 146 so as to extend along opposite sides thereof. The cylinders 153 of these rams are rigidly iixed tol the conduit section 146 in any suitable manner. As here shown, a bracket 154 is welded or otherwise iixed to the section 146 and to corresponding ends of the cylinders 153. The piston rod 155 of the rams 152 are connected to ilexible elements 156, here shown as sprocket chains, which in turn are xed, as at y156, to the top of the arch member 132. These ilexible elements extend under members 158, here shown as sprocket wheels, journalled on opposite sides of the conduit section 146.

The arrangement of the piston rods 155 and flexible elements !156 is such that when the conduit section 146, as shown in FIG. 2l, is in position to be connected with the placers 3, the iiexible elements 156 extend downwardly from the top of the arch member 132 with the sprocket wheels 158 supported upon the flexible elements near the ends thereof connected to the piston rods 155. At this time the piston rods 155 are extended from the cylinders 153 of the rams 152.

The conduit section 146 is raised by actuating the rams 152 to retract the piston rods 155. As the piston rods are retracted the lower ends of the exible elements 156 are pulled rearwardly and cause the portions of the exible elements on which the sprocket Wheels 158 are supported to be elevated thereby raising the conduit section 146, as shown in FIG. 22.

The ilexible section 144 of the conduit 120 acts as a hinge during the raising and lowering of the conduit section 146. Side sway of the conduit sections 144 and 146 is restrained by pairs of rigid arms 160 extending along opposite sides of the Aflexible section l144 and rigidly fixed at their outer ends to the bracket '154 on the section 146 'and aV collar 161 on the Vconduit section 14 respectively. The inner ends of the arms 160 are overlapped and pivotall-y connected as `at 162, thereby forming :a hinge joint, `permitting free movement of section 146 ,in a vertical plane, but restraining Vside sway or lateral Vmovement thereof.

Air under pressure, fromasuitable source not shown, is supplied to a `manifold V163 on'one Aside of the base frame 122, thence Vthrough a exible hose 164, which latter is connected to a conduit portion 165 of the arch member 133. lIn this connection, it will `be s een that the arch mem- -ber 133 is tubular and 'has partitions 166 and 167 therein to denethe conduit portion 165 Ywhich extends along one leg ofthe arch member and half way around the curved top thereof. The lower end of the conduit portion 165 has an inlet nipple 168 connected therewith to provide for connecting-the flexible hose v1614 lwith the portion 165.

The lupper end of the conduit portion 165 is provided with an outlet fitting 169 (FIG. 213) to which :a flexible hose 170 is connected for conducting the v compressed air Yinto a conduit 171 secured to and extending along the conduit sec-tion 146 to thecoupling unit 151.

The hose 164, conduit portion 165, hose 170 and conduit 171, constitute a high pressure line corresponding `to the high pressure line l69 in the rst described form of athis invention andis controlled by a valve 1712 located l.in the conduit 171 adjacent the coupling unit V151.

A low pressure line also leads from the manifold 163 aand includes a branch 174 of the .manifold for conducting Athe compressed -air through a pressure regulator 175, thence through a conduit 176 which extends across the lbasetrame 1:22 (FIGS. 2l and 24) to the Yother side of y:the arch member 133, 'being that Yside of .the .arch member opposite the side forming the conduit portion :165. A conduit portion 177, corresponding to the portion 165, is formed in said other side of the arch 133 and is coupled to the conduit 176 by means of a flexible hose 178 l(FIG. 24). From the outlet nipple '179 of the conduit -portion 177 (FG. 24) a flexible hose 180 conducts the air to a conduit 181 extending along the underside of the con- -duit section 146 to the coupling unit 15'1 in the same manner as 4the lhigh pressure conduit :171. A valve :182 is g; i

Vtaneously operated as here shown, from the high pressure Accordingly, an air line 183 (FIGS. 5

line conduit 171. 21 and 22) is connected with the conduit 171 adjacent the coupling unit 151 and extends along the conduit V1'71 to .a pair of branch lines 134 and 185 (FIG. 24) leading :to the forward ends of the cylinders of the rams 152. A

valve 186 in the line 183, at a point adjacent the couv-pling unit 15'1, provides for controlling the operation of 'the two rams. This valve is constructed to permit of a ycontrolled bleeding of air -from the rams, whereby the lowering of the conduit section 146 may be controlled as desired.

vAsbest shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, a latch means 187 having parts on the arch member -132 and conduit section $146 respectively, is similar to the latch means shown in ."FlG. ll and may be employed to releasably hold the Aconduit section lddelevated, as shown in FIG. 22.

It will now `be apparent that this modie'd form of apparatus may be operated in the same manner as the -iirst described form of this invention. This form may be preferably-for some tunnels, particularly smallboretun- `collapsed -form or to assemble and disassemble the apparatus in the tunnel.

VI claim:

l. The method of lining Va tunnel with concrete by means of a form and a conduit `for introducing concrete into the forms; which includes; moving a train of concrete-laden containers to aposition adjacent said form; connecting the rst container nearest the -form with said conduit; discharging the concrete from said li-rst container through said `conduit into said form; disconnecting `said conduit from said lirst container; moving :said conduit to a positionclearing .a path extending along said conduit; moving `said first container along said path Vto provide for connecting a following container of the train to said conduit; moving said Aconduit into position for connection with said following container; repeating ythose of the aforesaid steps .necessary to discharge concrete from the containers in the train and to move them in said path out of the position in which ythey were connected with said conduit; and then moving the unloaded containers as a train away Vfrom 4said form while said conduit is disposed in ,said pathclearing position.

2. The method of lining ya tunnel with concrete by means of a form and a conduit lfor conducting concrete into said form; which includes: disposing said conduit in a position clearing a path such that a Vmobile container maybe moved past the intakeend of said conduit; moving a train including mobile Vconcrete-laden containers and Van ,additional `container into a position suchthat said additional container is disposed between the intake end of said conduit and said form; disconnecting said additional container from said train; moving said train of vladen containers to position one container adjacent said intake end of said conduit; moving said conduit to con- Vnect said intake end with said one container; discharging the concrete from said one container through said conduit into said form; disconnecting said conduit from said one container; moving said conduit back into path-clearing position; ,moving said onecontainer toward said form to occupy a position adjacent said additional container;

repeating with succeeding containers the vaforesaid ,steps terial Afrom said container; meansfor detachably connecting said conduit to said container; a conduit-supporting structure; and means on said structure movable relative .thereto into and out of the vpath of movement of said container for moving said conduit between a position vfor connection withsaid container anda positionpermittng saidmobile container to be moved through saidstructure beneathsaid conduit.

4. In apparatus for dischargingmaterialfrom amobile container movable in apredetermined path in a tunnel;

a conduit for conducting material from saidcontainer;

-said conduit havingra discharge. end;,mobile means movable in the directionof said path; and means on said mobile-means movable relative theretoand mounting said conduittor movement betweena position -for detachable connection with the container and a position permitting movement of said container in said path pastsaidmobe means.

5. Apparatus fordischarging material from a container movable in a predetermined path in a tunnel, including: a structure in said path vproviding a passageway through which said container is movable in either direction; a conduit supported in part Aon -said structure in a position permitting'said icontainer to move'through saidpassageway; means on said structure movable relativethereto into and Vout ot' the path ofmovement -of saidcontainer and mounting another part of said conduit and the" intke end of said conduit for movement between a posi-- tion for connection of said intake end with said container and a position permitting movement of a mobile container through said passageway.

6. Apparatus for discharging material from a containermovable in a predetermined path in a tunnel including: a Structure in said path providing a passageway through which said container is movable in either direction past the structure; a conduit supported in part on said structure in a position above said passageway; and means on said structure for moving the intake end of said conduit and the portion of the conduit between said end and said supported part, between a position for connection" of said intake end with said container and a position permitting movement of a mobile container through said passageway.

7. Apparatus for discharging material from a container movable in a predetermined path in a tunnel including: a structure in said path providing a passageway through which said container is movable in either direction past the structure; a conduit supported in part on said structure in a position permitting said container to move in said passageway beneath the supported part of the conduit; and means on said structure for moving the intake end of said conduit and the portion of the conduit between said end and said supported part, between a po- Sition for connection of said intake end with said con-- tainer and an elevated position clearing said passageway for movement of said container therethrough.

8. Apparatus for discharging concrete from a container movable on a track in la tunnel including: a structure movable on said track; a conduit supported on said structure above said track for movement between a position for detachable connection of the intake end thereof with said container land a second position permitting movement of said container past said intake end; meansV for so moving said conduit; and means providing for movement of said container from said track onto said structure and vice-versa when said conduit is in said second position.

9. Apparatus for discharging concrete from a container movable on a track in a tunnel including: a structure movable on said track; said structure providing a path permitting movement of said container in either direction past the structure; a conduit mounted on said structure for movement between a position in said path for connecting the intake end of the conduit with said container and a position out of said path to permit movement of said container -in either direction through said path; and means for so moving said conduit.

10. Apparatus for discharging concrete from a container movable on a track in a tunnel including: a structure 'adapted to be positioned on said track; said structure providing a path in which said container is movable in either direction past the structure; a conduit mounted n said structure for movement between a position in said path for connection of the intake end of the conduit with said container and la second position clear of said path to permit movement of said container in either direction through said structure; means on said structure for so moving said conduit; a track on said structure in said path; and means at opposite ends of said structure providing for movement of said container in either direction from said iirst named track onto the track on said structure and vice-versa.

`1l. Apparatus 'for discharging concrete from a container movable in a given path in a tunnel including: a conduit for conducting concrete from said container to a predetermined part of said tunnel; a structure intermediate the ends of said conduit supporting one portion of the conduit between said structure and said predetermined part, out of the path of movement of said container; said structure providing a surface over which said container may be moved in either direction into and out of the zone between said predetermined part of the tun! nel and said structure; and means on said structure for' moving the intake end of said conduit and the portion of the conduit leading therefrom to said first mentioned portion into and out of a position for connection of said intake end With said container.

12. In apparatus for conducting concrete from a mobile container in a tunnel to portions of the tunnel where the concrete is to be poured: a base structure adapted to be positioned between said container and said portions of the tunnel; said base structure providing a surface over which said container may -be moved in either direction; a conduit for conducting the concrete from said contaner; means extending upwardly from said base structure for supporting a portion of said conduit above the path of movement of said container over said surface;

and means on said base structure for moving another portion of said conduit between a position for connection. of the conduit with said container and a position above said path of movement.

13. In apparatus for conducting concrete from a mobile container in a tunnel to portions of the tunnel where the concrete is -to be poured: a base structure adaptedto be positioned between said container and said portions of said tunnel; said base structure providing a surface over which said container may be moved in either direction; a conduit for conducting the concrete from said container; means extending upwardly from said baseV structure for supporting a portion of said conduit above the Vpath of movement of said container over said surface; means on said base structure for moving another.

portion of said `conduit between a position for connection of the intake end of the conduit with said container and a position above said path of movement; said last named means including an upright member on said base dis- -posed out of said path of movement; and means connected with said upright member and said last named portion of said conduit rescpectively, movable for raising and lowering said last named portion of said conduit.

14. -In apparatus for conducting concrete from a mobile container in a tunnel to portions of the tunnel where the concrete is to be poured: a base structure adapted to be positioned between said container and said portions of said tunnel; said base structure providing a surface over which said container may be moved in either direction; a conduit for conducting the concrete from said container; means extending upwardly from said base structure for supporting a portion of said conduit above the path of movement of said container; means on said base structure for moving another portion of said conduit between a position for connection ofthe intake end of the conduit' with said container and a position above said path of movement; said last named means including an upright member on said base disposed to one side of said path of movement; means connected with said upright member and said last named portion of said conduit respectively,` movable for raising and lowering said last named por-- tion; and means for releasably securing said last named portion of said conduit to the upper portion of said upright member.

15. In apparatus for conducting concrete from a momounting a portion of said conduit on said arch member above the path of movement of said container; a second arch member mounted on said base structure; said con-4 duit having another portion extending from said tirst named arch member through said second named arch member to the intake end of said conduit; and means con-vv nected with said last named portion of said conduit and with said second named arch member respectively, operable to move said last named portion of said conduit between a position for connecting said intake end `-withsaid container and a position above said path of movement of said container.

l6. In apparatus for conducting concrete from a mobile container mounted on a track in a tunnel, to portions of the tunnel where the concrete is to be poured: a base Structure adapted to be mounted on said track; Vsaid base structure providing a surface over which said container may be moved in either direction from said track; a conduit for conducting concrete from said container to said portions of the tunnel; members mounted Von said base for supporting said conduit above the path of movement of said container on said base; one of said members being movable for moving said conduit between Ya position in said path of movement for connection of the intake end of the conduit with said container and a position supporting said end above said path; and means for so moving said one member.

17. In apparatus for conducting concrete from a mobile container mounted on a track in a tunnel, to portions of the tunnel where the concrete is to be poured: a base structure adapted to be mounted on said track; said base structure providing a surface over which said'container may be moved in either direction from said track; a conduitV for conducting concrete from said container to said portions of the tunnel; a conduit-supporting member extending upwardly from said base; means on said member for mounting a portion of said conduit above said path; said conduit having a movable portion extending forwardly from said member and terminating in an intake end; means supportedV by said base operable for moving said movable portion of said conduit between a position for connection of said intake end with said container and a position above the path of movement of said container over said surface; said movable portion of said conduit having a flexible section adjacent said supporting member; and members embracing said exible section connected with said portions of said conduit to prevent side sway of said movable portion of the conduit.

18. In apparatus for conducting concrete from a mobile container mounted on a track in a tunnel, to portions of the tunnel where the concrete is to be poured: a base structure adapted to be mounted on said track; said base structure providing a surface over which said container may be moved in either direction from said track; a conduit for conducting concrete from said container vto said portions of the tunnel; a conduit-supporting member extending upwardly from said base; means vertically adjustably mounting a portion of said conduit upon said supporting member; said conduit having a vertically movable portion extending from said supporting member past one end of said base structure and terminating in an intake end; said extended portion of said conduit having a flexible section; said flexible section being joined to the portion of the conduit mounted on said supporting member; and means for moving said extended portion of saidV conduit between a position for connection of said intake end with said container and a position out of the path of movement of said container over said surface.

19. In apparatus for conducting concrete from a mobile container mounted on a track in a tunnel, to 'portions of the tunnel where the concrete is to be poured; aV base structure adapted to be mounted on Vsaid track; said-base structure providing a surface over which said container may be moved in either direction irom said? track; aconduit lfor conducting concrete from said container to said portions of the tunnel; a conduit-supportingV member extending upwardly from said base; means on said'member for mounting portions of said' conduit aboveV the path of movement of said container; said conduit havinga rnovable portion extending forwardly from, saidmembe'r' and terminating in an intake end; means supported by'said base operable for moving said movable portion of said 16 conduit between a position for connection of said intake end with said container and a position above said path of movement; a coupling unit on said intake end; and means for yieldably supporting said unit on said track.

20. In apparatus for conducting concrete from a mobile container mounted on a track in a tunnel, to portions of the tunnel where the concrete is to be poured: a base structure adapted to be mounted on said track; said base structure providing a surface over which said container may be moved in either direction from said track; a oonduit `for conducting concrete from said container to said portions of the tunnel; a conduit-supporting member ex.- tending upwardly from said base out of the path of movement of said container over said surface; means on said member for mounting a portion of said conduit above said path of movement; said conduit having a movable portion extending forwardly from said member and terminating in an intake end; means supported by said base operable for moving said movable portion of said conduit between a position for connection of said intake end with said container and a position above said path of movement; a coupling unit on said intake end; a trackcontacting means; and spring means connecting said trackcontacting means with said unit.

21. In Yapparatus for conducting concrete from a mobile. container on a track: a conduit; a coupling unit on the intake end of said conduit for coupling the conduit to said container; means on said unit for yieldably supporting said unit upon said track; and means for moving'said conduit and said coupling unit between a position Where' the unit is yieldably supported on said track and a position in which said conduit and unit are disposed out of the path of movement of said container on said track.

22. In apparatus for conducting concrete from a source of supply; a conduit; a coupling unit on said conduit for connecting the conduit with said source of supply; and yieldable means carried by said conduit for contacting a support to yieldably support said unit in position to be connected with said source; said last named means including springs connected with said conduit, and members carried by said spring for engaging said support.

23. In apparatus for conducting concrete from a source of supply; a conduit; a coupling unit on said conduit for connecting the conduit with said source of supply; yieldable means carried by said conduit for contacting a support to yieldably support said unit in position to be connected with said source; said last named means including springs connected with said conduit, and members carried by said spring for engaging said support; and means for varying the flexibility of said springs.

24. In apparatus for conducting concrete from a mobile container on a track; a conduit; a coupling unit on the intake end of said conduit for `coupling the conduit to said container; resilient means on said unit for yieldably supporting said unit upon said track; and means for moving said coupling unit and the conduit between/a position where the unit is yieldably supported on said track and a position in which said unit and said conduit are disposed above the path of movement of said container on said track; said resilient means including means adapted to rest upon said track and springs connecting said last named means with said unit.

25. In apparatus for conducting concrete from a mobile container on a track; a conduit; a coupling unit on the intake end of said conduit for coupling the conduit to said container; resilient means on said unit for yieldably supporting said unit upon said track; and means for moving said coupling unit and the conduit between a position where the unit is yieldably supported'on said track and a position in which said unit and said `conduit are disposed above the path of movement of said container on said track; said resilient means including a pair of shoes adapted to rest upon said track; springs connecting said shoes with said unit; and means adjustable on said unit for varying the flexibility of said springs.

26. n combination with a mobile container having a spring suspended running gear for resiliently supporting said container on a track: an outlet for said container; a conduit for conducting material from said container; a coupling unit on the intake end of said conduit adapted for connection with said outlet; resilient means `carried by said conduit for yieldably supporting said unit on said track; and means for moving said conduit between a position in which said unit is yieldably supported on said track in position for connection with said outlet and a position out of the path of movement of said container on said track.

27. In combination with a mobile container having a spring suspended running gear for resiliently supporting said container on a track: said container having an outlet; a conduit for conducting material from said outlet; a coupling unit on the intake end of said conduit adapted for connection with said outlet; resilient means carried by said conduit for yieldably supporting said unit on said track; and means mounted on said track operable for moving said conduit between a position in which said unit is yieldably supported on said track in position for connection with said outlet and a position above the path of movement of said container on said track.

28. In combination with a mobile container having a spring suspended running gear for resiliently supporting said container on a track: an outlet for said container; a conduit for conducting material from said outlet; a coupling unit on the intake end of said conduit adapted for connection with said outlet; resilient means carried by said conduit for yieldably supporting said unit on said track; means on said track operable for supporting a portion of said conduit out of the path of movement of said container; and means for moving that portion of said conduit leading from said `conduit; supporting means to said coupling unit, between a position in which said unit is supported on said track for connection with said outlet and a position out of the path of movement of said container.

29. In combination with a mobile container operable on a track: a conduit for conducting material from said container; means for supporting a portion of the conduit above the path of movement of said container; means ou said track providing a surface over which said container may be moved in either direction from said track; said conduit having a movable portion extending from said supporting means to the intake end of the conduit; and means on said supporting means connected with said movable portion of said conduit for moving said movable portion of said conduit between a position for connecting said intake end with said container and a position over said surface out of the path of movement of said container.

30. Apparatus for discharging material from a container movable in a path in a tunnel, including: a base frame providing a surface over which said container may be moved from said path; a pair of members mounted on said base frame for movement between positions extending upwardly from said base frame and a collapsed position; means connected with said frame for releasably holding said pair of members in said upwardly extended positions; a conduit for conducting material from said container; means on one of the members of said pair for supporting a portion of the conduit above the path of movement of said container over said surface; said conduit having a movable portion extending from said conduit supporting means to the intake `end of the conduit; and means connected with the other member of said pair and said movable portion, for moving said movable portion between a position for connecting said intake end with said container and a position out of the path of movement of said container over said surface.

3l. Apparatus for discharging material from a container movable in a path in a tunnel, including: a base frame providing a surface over which said container may be moved in either direction from said path; a conduit for discharging material from said container; said conduit including va stationary portion adapted to be supported above said surface out of the path of movement of said container; said conduit having a movable portion extending to the intake end of the conduit; an arch member pivoted on said frame; means on said arch member for supporting said stationary portion of said conduit; means for releasably holding said arch member in an elevated position; and means on said frame connected with said movable portion operable for moving said movable p01'- tion between a position disposing `said intake end for connection with said container and an elevated position out of the path of movement of said container over said surface.

32. Apparatus for discharging material from a container movable in a path in a tunnel, including: a base frame providing a surface over which said container may be moved in either direction from said path; a pair of arch members mounted on said frame for movement between positions extending upwardly from said frame and collapsed positions; means for releasably supporting vsaid arch members in upwardly extended positions; a conduit for discharging material from said container; means on one of said arch members for supporting a portion of said conduit above the path of movement of said container; said conduit having a movable portion extending from said one arch member through the other 'arch member and terminating at the intake end of the conduit; means connected with said other arch member and said movable portion between a lowered position for connecting said intake end with said container and ya raised position above the path of movement of said container over said surface; said last named means including ilexible elements connected with said other arch member; piston and cylinder assemblies mounted on said movable portion of said conduit connected with said exible elements and operable for raising and lowering said iexible elements relative to said other arch member; and means on said movable portion of said conduit engaged with said flexible elements to support said movable portion of said conduit for movement between said lowered and raised positions thereof responsive -to raising and lowering of said exible elements.

33. Apparatus for discharging material from a container movable in a path in a tunnel, including: a base frame providing a surface on which said container may be moved in either direction from said path; a pair of arch members mounted on said frame for movement between positions extending upwardly therefrom and collapsed position; means for releasably supporting said arch members in said upwardly extended positions; said last named means being ladjustable to vary the upward extent of said arch members relative to said frame means; said container being movable through said arch members; a conduit for conducting material from said container; means on one of said arch members for supporting a portion of said conduit above the path of movement of said container; said conduit having a vertically movable portion extending from said one arch member through the other arch member; and means on said frame connected with said other `arch member operable for moving said movable portion between a position for connection thereof with said container and a position disposed above the path of movement of said container.

34. Apparatus for discharging material from a container movable on a track in la tunnel including: a base frame movable on said track providing a surface onto which said container may be moved from said track; an arch member pivoted -at its ends adjacent one end of said frame; a pair of vertically adjustable members mounted adjacent the other end of said frame and connected to opposite side portions of said arch member for supporting the latter in an upwardly inclined position such that the container may pass therethrough; asecond arch member pivoted tat its ends to said one end of said frame;

19 members extend-ing between and linking 4said arch members to support said second arch member in upright position; a conduit for discharging material from said container; means on the upper end of said one arch member for supporting a portion of said co-nduit 'above the path of movement of said container; said conduit having a vertically movable portion extending from said one arch member through said second arch member to the intake end of the conduit; a pair of cylinders mounted on said movable portion; pistons in said cylinders having piston rods extending therefrom; a pair of sprocket chains connected at their ends to said rods and the top of said second arch member respectively; and sprocket wheels on said movable portion of said conduit engaged with said chains to support said movable portion for movement between a position for connection of said intake end with said container and a position extending above the path of movement of said container. t Y

35. Apparatus for discharging material from a container movable on a track in a tunnel including: a base frame movable on said track providing a surface over which said container may be moved from said track; an arch member pivoted at its ends adjacent one end of said frame; vertically adjustable members mounted adjacent the other end of said frame and connected to opposite side portions of said arch member for supporting the latter in an upwardly inclined position such that the container may pass therethrough; a second arch member pivoted at its ends to .said frame; members extending between and linking said arch members to support said second arch member in upright position; a conduit for discharging material from said container; means on the upper end of the first mentioned arch member for supporting a portion of said conduit above the path of movement of said container; said conduit having a movable section including the intake end of the conduit; a iiexible conduit section joining `said movable section with said portion of the conduit; hinge means connecting said portion of said conduit with said movable section; said hinge means including rigid members embracing said liexible section to restrain lateral movement thereof; said movable section extending through said second arch member; and means connected with `said movable section and said second arch member operable for moving saidV movable section 'between a position for connecting said intake end with said container and a position above the path of move` ment of said container.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,235,233 ORonrke July 31, 1917 1,716,125 Hackley v June 4, 1929 1,751,147 Hackley Mar. 18, 1930 1,867,837 Jackson July 19, 1932 2,144,013 Donaldson Jan. 17, 1939 2,660,034 Kemper Nov. 24, 1953 

